Horsemen say Churchill makes account wagering offer

Apr. 29, 2008

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The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president said today that Churchill Downs Inc. is offering a larger share of account wagering revenues for purses – a move that could make races from the Louisville track available again to some online and telephone wagering services.

Rick Hiles said he received the written proposal yesterday from Steve Sexton, the president of Louisville track and an executive vice president for the Louisville-based parent company.

"It's a very workable solution if he meant what he said," Hiles said.

Horsemen want a third of account-wagering revenues for purses, but say they get far less under current deals between racetracks and account wagering companies – one of which Churchill owns.

Horsemen have been blocking almost all Churchill races from being offered to account wagering services for the current spring meeting, which started Saturday, because of the dispute.

Federal law gives horsemen the right to veto a signal from being sent over state lines. Most account wagers, including Churchill's, are processed in Oregon.

A Churchill spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.

Horsemen previously have consented to offering the Kentucky Oaks and Derby – and the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic – to account wagering companies.

However, if a deal is not worked out, no other Derby week – or spring meet – races from the Louisville track would be available for account wagering.